TRAVEL

By Cuba Journal Staff Engage Cuba is an independent public policy organization dedicated to mobilizing American businesses, non-profit groups and concerned citizens in support of the the ongoing U.S.‐Cuba normalization process and enacting legislation to reform U.S. travel and trade restrictions with Cuba. Despite its short life, the organization has acquired an impressive membership roster. To … Read more

Despite an uninterrupted boom in the world’s travel infrastructure in the last 50 years, Cuba’s relatively modest development has some hidden benefits. One little known benefit from Cuba’s policy of isolation is the preservation of its coastline that remains mostly unspoiled by bulldozers and asphalt. Its pristine beaches sparkle with seashells and vegetation rather than the typical sprawl of highrises and parking lots so familiar to most Western tourists. Cuba is a haven. Here are four of the beaches you must see on your next trip to Cuba.

By the Cuba Journal staff Given what is at least a strong perception of quality in Cuban healthcare, coupled with world-class beaches, it’s no surprise that Cuba is looking to expand its position in the growing area of health tourism. The island’s health officials have announced plans to expand the island’s health tourism offering, according … Read more

By the Cuba Journal staff The United States House of Representatives has voted to retain restrictions on travel to Cuba by US citizens. The House voted 247-176 to retain the restrictions, which was included in a bill involving transportation funding. According to a report in the Telegraph, the provision “would block new rules issued in … Read more

Above: an Airbnb unit in Havana By the Cuba Journal staff What’s it like to rent an Airbnb unit in Cuba? The Associated Press recently did just that, chronicling the various ways Airbnb listings in Cuba are “a little different.” “For one thing, most Cubans don’t have easy email access. So it can take days … Read more

Above: Havana By the Cuba Journal staff Canada is expanding its air links with Cuba, according to a government statement. Canada’s Ministry of Transport, Lisa Raitt, announced an expansion of the Canada-Cuba Air Transport Agreement, which will allow for more airlines to operate between the two countries. The agreement builds on the 1998 Canada-Cuba Air … Read more

Above: Havana By the Cuba Journal staff Tourist arrivals to Cuba from this destination are growing faster than anywhere else. No, not the United States — at least not yet, although tourism from America is reportedly up by 36 percent. It’s Venezuela, which is sending 83.4 percent more visitors to Cuba this year than in the … Read more

Above: Holguin, Cuba (Photo: Cuba Travel Services) By the Cuba Journal staff Travel by Americans to Cuba has risen by 36 percent, according to a new report by the Associated Press. The rise came in the first quarter of 2015, with data provided by a University of Havana professor. That represented a total of 51,458 … Read more

Above: Cayo Coco, Cuba By the Cuba Journal staff Accor Hotels is continuing its expansion in Cuba. The company announced this week plans for a Pullman Cayo Coco hotel, following the signing of a management contract with the country’s Ministry of Tourism. The 518-room property (which will include 40 suites) will be located on Las … Read more

One of the most tangible of Raul Castro’s economic reforms since 2010 is the wave of new private restaurants – called paladares – located mostly in Havana. Don’t be fooled into thinking that decades of iron ideology have limited Cuba’s imagination for self-expression. Food has become a beacon for Cuba’s future possibilities, and visitors to … Read more